Painting With Ashes

Scott McIntyre/Staff Artist Joseph Swenarton works his brush trying to convey an energy while painting at the Botero Gallery on Thursday August 8, 2013. Swenarton works with more than just acrylic paint. In some paintings, he also uses ashes from deceased loved ones. Swenarton sees it as a way of memorializing a loved one in a piece of art that can be seen and admired. In this specific painting, he was using the ashes of his cat, Pekoe.

Scott McIntyre/Staff Artist Joseph Swenarton keeps focused while painting at the Botero Gallery on Thursday August 8, 2013. Swenarton works with more than just acrylic paint. In some paintings, he also uses ashes from deceased loved ones. Swenarton sees it as a way of memorializing a loved one in a piece of art that can be seen and admired. In this specific painting, he was using the ashes of his cat, Pekoe.

Scott McIntyre/Staff Artist Joseph Swenarton keeps focused while painting at the Botero Gallery on Thursday August 8, 2013. Swenarton works with more than just acrylic paint. In some paintings, he also uses ashes from deceased loved ones. Swenarton sees it as a way of memorializing a loved one in a piece of art that can be seen and admired. In this specific painting, he was using the ashes of his cat, Pekoe.

Scott McIntyre/Staff Artist Joseph Swenarton takes a short break while painting at the Botero Gallery on Thursday August 8, 2013. Swenarton works with more than just acrylic paint. In some paintings, he also uses ashes from deceased loved ones. Swenarton sees it as a way of memorializing a loved one in a piece of art that can be seen and admired. In this specific painting, he was using the ashes of his cat, Pekoe.

Scott McIntyre/Staff Artist Joseph Swenarton cleans his brush before moving on to a different color while painting at the Botero Gallery on Thursday August 8, 2013. Swenarton works with more than just acrylic paint. In some paintings, he also uses ashes from deceased loved ones. Swenarton sees it as a way of memorializing a loved one in a piece of art that can be seen and admired. In this specific painting, he was using the ashes of his cat, Pekoe.

Scott McIntyre/Staff Artist Joseph Swenarton works his brush trying to convey an energy while painting at the Botero Gallery on Thursday August 8, 2013. Swenarton works with more than just acrylic paint. In some paintings, he also uses ashes from deceased loved ones. Swenarton sees it as a way of memorializing a loved one in a piece of art that can be seen and admired. In this specific painting, he was using the ashes of his cat, Pekoe.

Scott McIntyre/Staff Artist Joseph Swenarton cleans his brush before moving on to a different color while painting at the Botero Gallery on Thursday August 8, 2013. Swenarton works with more than just acrylic paint. In some paintings, he also uses ashes from deceased loved ones. Swenarton sees it as a way of memorializing a loved one in a piece of art that can be seen and admired. In this specific painting, he was using the ashes of his cat, Pekoe.

Scott McIntyre/Staff Artist Joseph Swenarton keeps focused while painting at the Botero Gallery on Thursday August 8, 2013. Swenarton works with more than just acrylic paint. In some paintings, he also uses ashes from deceased loved ones. Swenarton sees it as a way of memorializing a loved one in a piece of art that can be seen and admired. In this specific painting, he was using the ashes of his cat, Pekoe.

Scott McIntyre/Staff Artist Joseph Swenarton takes a step back to see his progress while painting at the Botero Gallery on Thursday August 8, 2013. Swenarton works with more than just acrylic paint. In some paintings, he also uses ashes from deceased loved ones. Swenarton sees it as a way of memorializing a loved one in a piece of art that can be seen and admired. In this specific painting, he was using the ashes of his cat, Pekoe.